Environmental Rules in Santa Clara, CA (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Santa Clara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Santa Clara requires every construction site owner and operator to run erosion, sediment and runoff controls through all phases of building, from clearing to final landscaping, and to file a City-approved erosion and sediment control plan before work proceeds under City Code Chapter 13.20.
Santa Clara Stormwater Construction Site Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code § 13.20.050(a)
All construction site owners/operators shall implement and maintain adequate and effective erosion control, runon and runoff control, sediment control, active treatment systems (as appropriate), dewatering, good site management, and nonstormwater management through all phases of construction (including, but not limited to, grubbing, clearing, site grading, filling, excavation, leveling, buildin...
Erosion Control
Santa Clara Municipal Code § 13.20.050 requires every construction site owner and operator to run erosion, sediment, and nonstormwater controls through every phase of work, from grading to landscaping, until the site is fully stabilized, then remove temporary controls. Sites disturbing one acre or more must also file a state Notice of Intent and maintain a site-specific stormwater pollution prevention plan.
Santa Clara Construction Erosion Control Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code § 13.20.050(a), (c)
(a) All construction site owners/operators shall implement and maintain adequate and effective erosion control, runon and runoff control, sediment control, active treatment systems (as appropriate), dewatering, good site management, and nonstormwater management through all phases of construction (including, but not limited to, grubbing, clearing, site grading, filling, excavation, leveling, bui...
Flood Zones
Santa Clara participates in the NFIP; properties in FEMA AE/AH zones near Guadalupe and San Tomas creeks need elevation certificates and flood insurance for federally-backed mortgages.
Flood Zone Rules in Santa Clara
Some RestrictionsFEMA Flood Map Service Center - National Flood Insurance Program
About Flood Map Service Center The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk. FEMA flood maps are continually updated th...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Santa Clara adopts CCR Title 24, Part 2, Appendix G for flood-resistant construction in flood hazard areas and lets detached garages sit below the base flood elevation only if they are one story, no larger than 600 square feet, anchored against flotation, and built with flood damage-resistant materials below the BFE.
Santa Clara Base Flood Elevation Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code § 15.45.380
The provision in Appendix G for garages and accessory structures shall be replaced with this section. Detached garages and accessory storage structures used only for parking or storage are permitted below the base flood elevation provided the garages and accessory storage structures: (a) Are one story and not larger than six hundred (600) square feet in area when located in special flood hazard...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Clara city rules.
Environmental Rules in Santa Clara County →